City of Davis Uses SB 1 Funds to Improve Access to Local Train Station

January 16, 2018

The City of Davis wants to alleviate traffic congestion along its busy I-80 corridor by using $250,000 recently awarded in SB1 grant funds to develop a plan for improving ridership and access to its Amtrak station.

The Davis Amtrak station currently ranks third busiest on the Capitol Corridor line and serves as the regional hub for Yolo and Eastern Solano Counties. However, city officials say that a lack of parking and its isolated location prevent more people from optimizing this public transportation option. Mike Webb, Davis city manager, says that the SB 1 funding will dramatically increase the city’s ability to address accessibility issues as well as the city’s short term and long-term transportation goals.

“Similar to many cities in California, Davis has deferred infrastructure maintenance projects that would benefit greatly from additional revenues. The extra boost of revenue provided by SB 1 is not only helping the city to address some of its transportation infrastructure needs, but also to adopt a more proactive approach to transportation planning,” says Webb.

This project builds the city’s recent planning efforts associated with specific modes, corridors, and development projects surrounding the station site. Additionally, in partnership with SACOG, Unitrans, Cool Davis, and the Capitol Corridor, the City of Davis will soon start a Civic Lab project to explore smart mobility options to improve first/last mile options at Davis Amtrak Station.

The City of Davis is one of the top bicycling cities in the county and is considered the bicycle capital of the United States. In 2016, the Institute for Local Government for its measureable achievements to reduce greenhouse gas emission, save energy and promote sustainability best practices, which includes several innovative programs related to efficient transportation.